Greeneville Mayor, Laraine King welcomed folks to our fair town. She noted the beauty of the quilt pattern and commented that its location on the James-Ben: Art Center put it in an eye-catching spot at the gateway to the historic district. She emphasized that, as something visitors would be drawn to, it represents both the city's past and its future.
Roy Settle, coordinator of the Appalachian RD&C Council, briefly touched on the creation and history of the Quilt Trail and identified the Homestead quilt as the 81st quilt square placed in Upper East Tennessee. Roy pointed out that our quilt tradition is an effective and welcoming symbol for the Appalachian Culture. While focused in the more rural areas and usually mounted on barns, Roy noted that along with the Nathanael Greene Museum installation, this site made Greeneville one of the first municipalities on the Quilt Trail. He further said that the James-Ben: Studio & Gallery Art Center was approved as a site because of the gallery's efforts and reputation for featuring 150 Tennessee artists and artisans, including 30 Greene County folks.
Co-chair of the Andrew Johnson Bicentennial Steering Committee, Carlos Whaley expressed greetings on behalf of Jim Small, fellow co-chair, and AJNHS Superintendent, Lizzie Watts, both of whom were unable to participate due to other commitments. Carlos described the unveiling as a wonderful occasion so near the conclusion of the Bicentennial Year. He acknowledged the mutual benefit of the Bicentennial Celebration to President Johnson's place in history and to his hometown. At this point, Carlos announced the erection of a billboard by the Steering Committee, on the southbound side of I-81 near exit 36, to highlight the historically important relationship between Lincoln and Johnson. He quoted the billboard, "Lincoln Chose Johnson, Discover Why. Home of the 17th President, Greeneville." It will be displayed through 2009, the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth. Carlos then graciously commented that "no one in Greeneville's retail community has done more to promote and support the Bicentennial than James-Ben." Carlos then introduced President Andrew Johnson, portrayed by Daniel Luther, to unveil the quilt square.
President Johnson promised, "in the spirit of the previous speakers," to keep his remarks brief:
"Across the length and breath of our great country there can be but few communities that welcome the newcomer as warmly as Greeneille, TN. I received that welcome in 1826 when I came here as a young man seeking to make my way in the world. I received it again in 1869 when I returned home from the White House, weary from the labors of our late unhappy struggle. I hope that all present here will join me in a ferverent desire for the future -- that all who pass by and behold this beatuful image will recognize it as a symbol of this community's rich, significant history and of its place as a warm, safe haven to call home!"
At which point, President Johnson unveiled the installation to the spontaneous applause of the crowd of history, art and tourism enthusiasts.
President Johnson promised, "in the spirit of the previous speakers," to keep his remarks brief:
"Across the length and breath of our great country there can be but few communities that welcome the newcomer as warmly as Greeneille, TN. I received that welcome in 1826 when I came here as a young man seeking to make my way in the world. I received it again in 1869 when I returned home from the White House, weary from the labors of our late unhappy struggle. I hope that all present here will join me in a ferverent desire for the future -- that all who pass by and behold this beatuful image will recognize it as a symbol of this community's rich, significant history and of its place as a warm, safe haven to call home!"
At which point, President Johnson unveiled the installation to the spontaneous applause of the crowd of history, art and tourism enthusiasts.
